The threads that hold our stories together are often invisible. - Rachel Laverdiere (upon writing this post) This week, my mother told me on the phone, "I’m amazed at how your mind works!” (And the expression in her voice told me it wasn't a bad thing. This time.) She went on to say that she … Continue reading Weaving Threads
“Fear is not real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Do not misunderstand me. Danger is very real. But fear is a choice.” Will Smith Fear is a feeling induced by perceived danger or threat that causes changed in our metabolic and organ functions. It also changed out typical behavior: a person who … Continue reading Shout It From the Rooftops: Facing Fear
On Detours Detours--what a waste of time, huh? Driving home from a weekend away, engrossed in conversation with my travelmate I didn't pay attention to the signage on the way out of Regina. What felt like moments later, I felt a shift in direction as we passed through the Qu’Appelle Valley. I’d taken the wrong … Continue reading On Detours and Finding Your Way Home
I am a creative type. Anyone who knows me understands it’s an understatement when I say, "I’ve been pretty busy." The details of a typical day in “The Life of Rachel” can be rather dizzying. I blame my mother. To me, being productive from morning until I drop my weary head upon my pillow seems … Continue reading “Busy” in the Life of a Creative Person
Oh, and I've been walking by the river. Maybe that's why I feel so refreshed. Truth be told, I’ve been busy. A good busy. A productive kind of busy. There have been three areas of focus in the months I’ve seemingly vanished. Teaching, house, yard work Writing Pottery Teaching, house, yard work Need I say … Continue reading Where the Heck Have You Been, Rach? Why, I’ve been Studying the Pelicans
Once in a while, the first draft of a short story works. These are the stories you start and finish in one sitting. They usually need a second and maybe a third draft before they are ready to submit. Please understand that this rarely happens. When short stories are quickly written in one go, I … Continue reading Stories that Come Out Great in the First Draft
Me: Oh my gosh! I had the best MOOC ever a few months ago! You: Oh yeah? (You have no idea what I’m talking about, right?) Me: Yep. And now I'm in a MOOC that seems like it’s going to rock. And I have another MOOC starting in a week. You: … (Smiling, not wanting … Continue reading The Beauty of the MOOC
Funny, I came up with this topic as I was shovelling--I felt grateful for the half-foot of snow. Grateful that I could deal with it. As a belated Christmas gift, I decided to do my neighbour’s sidewalks as well. And just for good measure, I shovelled from my front gate to back gate and a … Continue reading Why Be Grateful for Loss